Statement of the Troika after the fourth round of talks
Transcript of the statement by the Troika following the fourth round of direct talks in Vienna.
(Contact Group Troika) Tuesday, November 06, 2007
The U.S./EU/Russia negotiating Troika met in Vienna on November 5 with leaders of Kosovo and Serbia to discuss Kosovo's future status. The Belgrade delegation was led by President Boris Tadic and Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica and included inter alia Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic and Minister for Kosovo Slobodan Samardzic. The Pristina delegation was led by President Fatmir Sejdiu and included Prime Minister Agim Ceku, President of the Assembly Kole Berisha, Hashim Thaci, Veton Surroi, Blerim Shala and Skender Hyseni. The Troika appreciated that both sides were represented at the highest level.
The Troika facilitated several hours of direct dialogue between the parties and also met separately with each side to explore further the parties' positions. Working within the parameters of UNSC Resolution 1244 and the Contact Group's Guiding Principles, the Troika continues to work for a negotiated settlement between the parties.
As part of the Troika's effort to leave no stone unturned in the search for an agreement, the Troika submitted to the parties last month its Principal Conclusions, the so called 14 points. The Troika will continue to explore on this basis various options with the parties.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to refrain from making acts or statements that could undermine the security situation.
The Troika reminded both parties that the Troika process will be concluded by the Contact Group reporting to the UN Secretary General by 10 December 2007. The Troika reaffirmed its commitment to make a vigorous and proactive effort to reach an agreement between the parties.
The Troika will next meet with the parties in Brussels on November 20.
